Bridgeport firefighters remembered 9 years after fatal fire

Two Bridgeport firefighters who died while responding to a 2010 house fire in the city were remembered during a ceremony Wednesday.

News 12 Staff

Jul 24, 2019, 5:32 PM

Updated 1,738 days ago

Share:

Two Bridgeport firefighters who died while responding to a 2010 house fire in the city were remembered during a ceremony Wednesday.
Lt. Steve Velasquez and Mitch Baik died in the line of duty nine years ago while battling a fire on Elmwood Avenue in Bridgeport.
A memorial service was held at Saint Andrew Church to honor the two men. 
"That day was a brutally hot day like that day last week, and everything just went wrong," Chief Richard Thode tells News 12.
Thode says each day since the tragic event firefighters are reminded of the two men's sacrifice because their names are etched into Ladder 11.
"We're here to serve, and they were doing what they loved to do, which is serve the community," Thode says. 
 


More from News 12
2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

2:26
Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

0:32
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

2:24
Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

0:22
Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

0:30
Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

2:20
Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care

Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care